Halfords has opened a new training centre in Dunstable with a view to expanding its apprenticeship programme and technical training.

The site, which has been operational since February, will allow apprentices to take part in intensive training blocks before returning to their workplace.

Halfords currently supports around 300 automotive apprentices across England, Scotland and Wales, up from around 30 in 2022.

The retailer said the role of the automotive technician was becoming increasingly technical as electric vehicles, advanced diagnostics and digitally enabled servicing reshape the sector.

Thirty apprentices have already started training at the new Dunstable site, with a further 60 expected to enrol this year.

Halfords chief executive Henry Birch said: “As the automotive sector changes, technicians need increasingly advanced technical skills, from electric vehicle servicing to diagnostics and digital systems.

“By investing in apprenticeships and practical training, we are helping to create high-quality career routes for young people while supporting the long-term skills needs of our business and the wider sector.

“We are proud that our apprenticeship programme has grown so significantly in recent years, and we are keen to build on that progress. Dunstable will help us provide more consistent, high-quality training and strengthen the link between technical education and real workplace experience.”

The 4,000 sq ft centre has annual training capacity for more than 500 colleagues across apprenticeships and wider technical training.

It includes a fully operational garage with three vehicle ramps, a full MOT bay and tyre-changing equipment, alongside four-wheel alignment equipment, air conditioning tools and facilities for electric and hybrid vehicle servicing.

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